Career Decision

[DennisD]

I (well, my wife and I) are contemplating a career decision that will effect our immediate family and extended family. I just ask that you pray for God's will to be done...whether it's what I want or not is irrelevant. I just want to go down the path that would bring the most honor and glory to God. Thank you.

[Miss Linda]

I will be praying for you and your family!

[HappyChristian]

[John81]

[PreacherE]

I'll be praying for you brother.

[Pastor Matt]

Praying for you.

[DennisD]

I'm fairly certain God has provided an answer to this request, thank you for all that took the time to pray.

[John81]

I pray the Lord will make your path clear for you and enable you to see the doors He opens

[DennisD]

I don't know why I've been so cryptic. Let me fill you all in.

Over the last couple months I've been contemplating entering Marine Security Guard (Embassy Marines). I was very much on fire (and so was my wife) to try out for this duty. It would be hard, long hours but it could have a huge impact on the Marines I would be commanding (the only time an enlisted holds the title of commander) for the Lord. My wife and I have been praying on this since I started showing interest.

Some of the downsides (which are huge downsides for us) is we would not be allowed to have anymore children. We are at the max amount (3) right now and if my wife became pregnant on the program my family could be sent away for the duration or I could be told to pack my stuff and leave. Another downside was my kids would be away from their grandparents for another 3 years. Now, we move quite a bit but if we are in the states it's a little easier making trips than in a foreign country.

But, these downsides were something I was willing to leave in the Lord's hands...I prayed and prayed and seemd to never really get anything concrete. I talked with many Marines that have been on this duty and still it didn't sway me either way.

But, something amazing happened. In the Marine Corps we have a Marine that gives us orders to new places. I've talked to this Marine before but never on a personal level. I sent him a note about my situation and it just so happens I have John 3:17 quoted on my signature in my email. Well, not only is this Marine a former Marine Security Guard (MSG)...he is also BORN AGAIN! Wow, I've known this guy (professionally) for about 3 years but we've never been stationed together so I've never met him in person. And it turns out he's born again, saved by grace, Lord loving Christian! He told me that he was part of the MSG before he was saved and has wanted to go back to the duty but has been convicted because of the mandatory parties and selling of liquor/booze on the MSG program to have money for the Marine Corps ball, dignitaries, etc.

He told me it was mandatory to sell this liquor because that is where all the monies come from to finance the Embassy Marines in all aspects. It's kind of a long story and it's an odd set-up at the embassies.

Anyway, just wanted to share that with you all. The more I think on it...the more I feel this was God's way of showing me it wasn't something he would approve of.

Thanks again.

[HappyChristian]

Dennis, isn't it wonderful how God has His own in place to help us in our decision making!! I'm sure God has something in store for you that is so much more wonderful than you can imagine.

[Bro K]

I don't know why I've been so cryptic. Let me fill you all in.

Over the last couple months I've been contemplating entering Marine Security Guard (Embassy Marines). I was very much on fire (and so was my wife) to try out for this duty. It would be hard, long hours but it could have a huge impact on the Marines I would be commanding (the only time an enlisted holds the title of commander) for the Lord. My wife and I have been praying on this since I started showing interest.

Some of the downsides (which are huge downsides for us) is we would not be allowed to have anymore children. We are at the max amount (3) right now and if my wife became pregnant on the program my family could be sent away for the duration or I could be told to pack my stuff and leave. Another downside was my kids would be away from their grandparents for another 3 years. Now, we move quite a bit but if we are in the states it's a little easier making trips than in a foreign country.

But, these downsides were something I was willing to leave in the Lord's hands...I prayed and prayed and seemd to never really get anything concrete. I talked with many Marines that have been on this duty and still it didn't sway me either way.

But, something amazing happened. In the Marine Corps we have a Marine that gives us orders to new places. I've talked to this Marine before but never on a personal level. I sent him a note about my situation and it just so happens I have John 3:17 quoted on my signature in my email. Well, not only is this Marine a former Marine Security Guard (MSG)...he is also BORN AGAIN! Wow, I've known this guy (professionally) for about 3 years but we've never been stationed together so I've never met him in person. And it turns out he's born again, saved by grace, Lord loving Christian! He told me that he was part of the MSG before he was saved and has wanted to go back to the duty but has been convicted because of the mandatory parties and selling of liquor/booze on the MSG program to have money for the Marine Corps ball, dignitaries, etc.

He told me it was mandatory to sell this liquor because that is where all the monies come from to finance the Embassy Marines in all aspects. It's kind of a long story and it's an odd set-up at the embassies.

Anyway, just wanted to share that with you all. The more I think on it...the more I feel this was God's way of showing me it wasn't something he would approve of.

Thanks again.

During my Air Force career I was assigned to the Presidential Aircraft Security unit outside Washington DC (Those men you see on TV when the President enters/departs Air Force One). There were also other duties (flying and non-flying) within the Unit. I chose the non-flying duties; because of the negative impact I saw on some of those families who father chose to fly. It was a personal decision I had to make; and have never regretted it; even though it may have hindered my progression within my career. As in all elite jOBs; there more to it than meets the eye. My only suggestion I could give is to list your priorities for your life(God,Family,Career,etc) and pray for guidance in your decision. It amazing that at times God will take all our priorities and fulfill them as one; which we don't realize what He has done till several years later. Be assured of this 'I'll never leave you or forsake you'. God Bless

[JerryNumbers]

So your thinking of entering something in the military that you would have to use birth control and sell liquor?

I'm asking this question to see if I understand this, not implying nothing, unless the answer is yes. If the answer is yes, they you would be disOBeying God on at least two counts.

[DennisD]

So your thinking of entering something in the military that you would have to use birth control and sell liquor?

I'm asking this question to see if I understand this, not implying nothing, unless the answer is yes. If the answer is yes, they you would be disOBeying God on at least two counts.

Umm, no. Did you read the second to last line of my last post?

Let's recap, the only one of those two you mentioned I knew about going in was the amount of family members I could have. This does not mean I could not have another child, it just means I would be either separated from my family and have to leave that program if I had another child. Additionally, birth control is not a pre-requisite.

Lastly, as soon as I found out (from a born again Christian) about the selling of liquor that's what I felt God was showing me to make my decision easy. I have decided not to pursue this program.